JUVE Comment

As one of the leading UK litigation practices with strong footprints in the pharmaceutical and mobile communications industries, Bristows had undertaken significant advance preparation before the UPC opened its doors. However, the firm experienced a notably slower start at the UPC compared to some other UK firms. In 2024, Bristows began to gain traction when regular client Novartis instructed the firm to defend against an action brought by Accord before the central division in Milan. Meanwhile, Bristows managed to transfer its second strong focus on SEP cases to the UPC, representing Sun Patent Trust against Vivo. Additional instructions from clients like Sophia Genetics against Guardant Health and Winnow Solutions in the culinary tech sector showcase the team’s activity across a broad technical spectrum.

A key element of Bristows’ strategy is its collaboration with other leading European IP practices in pan-European cases. For Novartis, the team co-counsels with Freshfields and Trevisan & Cuonzo, while for Sun Patent Trust, it works alongside Hoyng ROKH Monegier. This approach leverages the firm’s established, non-exclusive relationships and its expertise in coordinating complex, cross-border litigation.

For years, however, Bristows has had greater ambitions to be at the forefront of the UPC business. This included opening a Dublin office where most of Bristows UK solicitors gained admission to practice. With a Brussels office, the firm also has a toehold in UPC territory. By leveraging its strong pharmaceutical and SEP client base and its proven ability to coordinate complex disputes with a network of top European firms, Bristows is well-positioned to secure a leading role in high-stakes UPC litigation.

However, its long-standing rival Powell Gilbert has been pushing much more actively into this business recently and is therefore considered the most successful UK firm at the UPC. Bristows, on the other hand, is focusing on continuous development. Nevertheless, the firm should not be too modest in its approach if it does not want to be left behind by the market leaders.

Strengths

Pharma and telecom cases including FRAND.

Recommended individuals

Myles Jelf (“deeply engaged in the firm’s UPC development”, competitor), Richard Pinckney (“extensive experience in patent law, especially in FRAND and SEP matters”, “very good team player”, competitors)

Team

17 lawyers, 2 patent attorneys, 2 dual qualified

Clients

Sophia Genetics against Guardant Health over a liquid biopsy test to detect cancerous tumours; Sun Patent Trust against Vivo over mobile communication standards; Winnow Solutions against Orbisk over culinary waste management solutions (ended 2025); Novartis against Accord over pharmaceuticals (settled 2025).